TOWNSHEND ACTS REVISITED

The seventeenth usurpation listed in the Declaration of Independence states, "For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent." Some use the phrase, "Taxation without Representation." Either way it was and is today a burden the American people should not have to carry.


In part the American War for Independence (Revolutionary) was fought for the very cause of oppressive taxation. After the French and Indian War, Great Britain was strapped for money so they found new and burdensome ways to tax the colonist with little or no input from the people themselves.


This naturally angered the people to revolt. Enter the Tea tax on imports, (thus the Boston Tea Party), the Stamp Act, the Sugar act, etc. History tells us that the colonist revolted with varies forms of protests, so it was necessary to impose taxes in clandestine ways. The Townshend Act was the vehicle.


Charles Townshend, with the approval of Parliament and King George III devised a way to impose taxes the colonist would not suspect. These taxes were in the form of a type of value added tax, tax increases where taxes were already part of the economy, and new taxes that were not obvious. In other words, sneak them in here and there so no one would notice.


Taxing today is done in very much the same way . Taxes such as telecommunication, vehicular, licences (stamp act), gasoline, motel, and countless others. The difference is , Townsend didn't get away with it. The tax thieves today go unchallenged. The latest figures state the average American pays all of his/her income in taxes until the end of May. This means we get to keep only 58% of what we earn and the state assemblies, local governments, and beltway crooks get the rest. That's a failing grade even in a government school.



Wake up America. I've never known extortionist to return stolen money out of conscience pangs, therefore, a revolution is in order. Not one of blood or violence but one of anger, protests and voter power. Hand out pink slips liberally, especially in November 2012.

Obama and the "Peter Principle"

In 1968 Dr. Laurence J. Peter demonstrated, at least in theory, the principle that those who are striving to elevate themselves, or are promoted, in their chosen profession to higher levels of status or importance will eventually reach a level of incompetence. This theory is widely known as the "Peter Principle", and such is the case with President Obama.

It might be said (I can't be sure) that Obama was a reasonably competent lawyer. It might also be believed by some that he excelled as a community organizer. Nor, can I imagine, considering his misquotes and lack of understanding, that he was much of a Professor of Constitutional law. Additionally, his competence as a State and US Senator causes me pause. But, one thing of which I am absolutely certain is that he has exemplified the "Peter Principle" as President. His double speak, vacillating answers, and flip flapping decisions leave no doubt that he has hit the ceiling.

To be fair, many Presidents could have better served in other professions and the country would have been better off for it, but most of those Presidents had intelligent and savvy handlers and caused modest damage. Obama, on the other hand, has Chicago Mob types as handlers and advisers and therefore the damage could be devastating.

Many voters realize they made a mistake in November, and are suffering (perhaps silently) for their screw-up and are looking for avenues of redemption. Unfortunately full redemption is three and a half years away, however partial recovering can be made in 2010.

Requiem for a Friend

A dear friend of mine died in November. He was born before World War II but he really did not begin to get sick until after that war. This illness started slowly but got progressively worse. Oh, there were times when he appeared to be recovering and I held out hope that this sickness would not just go into remission but would be a complete recovery. Sadly, it didn't and his health deteriorated.


My buddy was much older than I but we were still great friends. I will never forget the day we met. It was at school when I was very young and he was invited to give us instructions on how our government was supposed to function. He was a wealth of knowledge and he imparted much wisdom to me, although, I must admit I understood very little of what he was teaching at the time. However, as I grew older and matured I began to better understand the true value of our friendship and how I often called on him to help me deal with complex issues in my life. Not everyone liked my friend as I did and they often tried to get him to change. He never would, so those who hated him distorted his words and brought shame on his name. But even in the midst of trials and persecution he stood tall and his words were still true.


Don't misunderstand, my friend had to be shaped and molded slightly over the years but the changes, in most cases, were made with the understanding of his core principles.


There won't be a funeral anytime soon, for my friend will lie in state in Washington, DC for historians to view, but he is dead and I see no hope for his resurrection. Unless the tears of a nation bring him back to life.


I'll miss my friend. His name was Constitution.